Explainers

Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EU has taken a number of steps to help refugees fleeing the war, including through the EU temporary protection mechanism.

Following Brexit, the EU and the UK negotiated a set of agreements to guide and govern the future EU-UK relationship. These agreements protect citizens' rights while ensuring fair competition and continued cooperation.

The EU is increasing its defence spending through several initiatives and instruments within the EU budget.

The EU is preparing a new long-term budget for 2028 to 2034, setting out how nearly €2 trillion will be invested across the EU over the next seven years.

The Republic of Moldova applied for EU membership in March 2022 and was granted candidate status in June 2022. Accession negotiations were formally opened in June 2024. The EU and Moldova also cooperate in the context of the Eastern Partnership.

The EU and its member states stand united in their unwavering support for Ukraine. Accession negotiations with Ukraine were formally opened in June 2024. The EU and Ukraine also cooperate within the Eastern Partnership.

Albania applied for EU membership in April 2009 and was granted EU candidate status in June 2014. The EU held its first intergovernmental conference with Albania in July 2022. So far, all 33 negotiation chapters have been opened and three have been provisionally closed.

Trade relations are currently governed by the 2000 EU-Mexico Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement.

EU rules protect European travelers inside or outside the EU.

The EU can impose sanctions to deter and respond to cyber-attacks which constitute an external threat to the EU or its member states.